Cillian Murphy, fresh off his Oscar-winning performance in Oppenheimer, is set to make his Netflix lead debut in “STEVE”, a gritty new drama premiering globally on October 3. Early buzz is calling it a return to the raw, atmospheric intensity that made Peaky Blinders a worldwide phenomenon — but this time, Murphy trades 1920s Birmingham for a much darker, modern world.

A Role Written for Murphy

“STEVE” follows the story of Steve Callahan, a man living on the fringes of society after a life-altering betrayal. Haunted by his past and hunted by dangerous forces, Steve is drawn back into a violent underworld he thought he’d escaped.

The role was reportedly tailored specifically for Murphy by screenwriter Daniel Friel, who described the character as “a mix of vulnerability and quiet menace — someone only Cillian could truly bring to life.”

Grit, Shadows, and Moral Grey Areas

From leaked stills and teaser footage, STEVE is visually drenched in noir-inspired shadows, rain-soaked streets, and tense, claustrophobic interiors. Murphy’s piercing stare — familiar to Peaky Blinders fans — dominates the mood of the film, paired with moments of quiet reflection and explosive violence.

Early reports hint at:

Brutal hand-to-hand combat scenes grounded in realism.

A cat-and-mouse chase through the alleys of a decaying industrial city.

A psychological battle between Steve and an enigmatic antagonist played by Killing Eve’s Fiona Shaw.

The Creative Team

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Gareth Evans (The Raid, Apostle), STEVE blends crime drama with an almost poetic focus on character and consequence. Evans’ signature action choreography meets Murphy’s emotionally charged performance — a pairing that’s already generating festival interest.

The supporting cast includes:

Fiona Shaw as Victoria Kane, a ruthless fixer with a hidden agenda.

Barry Keoghan as Jack Doyle, a former friend turned rival.

Naomie Harris as Claire, a journalist determined to expose Steve’s past.

Why Fans Are Comparing It to Peaky Blinders

Though the setting and era are different, fans can’t help but draw parallels between STEVE and Murphy’s iconic role as Tommy Shelby. Both characters are layered antiheroes navigating a dangerous world where loyalty is scarce and morality is blurred.

One Reddit thread put it perfectly:

“If Tommy Shelby was dropped into modern-day Britain with nothing but his wits and fists — you’d get Steve Callahan.”

Anticipation Builds Ahead of October 3

Netflix is reportedly planning a major marketing push, including a limited theatrical run in select cities before the streaming release. Insiders claim the film’s ending is “a gut punch that will have audiences talking for weeks.”

With Murphy’s star power at an all-time high and Gareth Evans’ proven track record for intense storytelling, STEVE could be Netflix’s most gripping original film of the year.

October 3 can’t come soon enough.